Walsh eyes historic Grand National glory after broken arm fears

A female jockey has never won the Grand National, but Katie Walsh is hoping to put that right on Wonderful Charm at Aintree.

Katie Walsh is a "bit sore, but fine" to ride Wonderful Charm as she targets Grand National history just two days after fears she had broken her arm following a fall at Aintree.

The 32-year-old from Ireland was a doubt for the world's most famous steeplechase on Saturday as a result of being unseated from Distime in the Foxhunters' Chase on Thursday.

Walsh revealed she has only sustained bruising after going for an X-ray, but must be given the all clear by a racecourse doctor on the day of the race.

And Walsh said on Friday that she will not pass up the opportunity to steer the Paul Nicholls-trained Wonderful Charm as she aims to become the first woman to ride a Grand National winner, having come third on Seabass four years ago.

"I feel fine, a bit sore, but I'm 100 per cent. Initially, it wasn't the fall itself that caused the bruising but it was a horse that came along behind me and he galloped all over me." Walsh told ITV4's The Opening Show.

"I went down to Aintree Hospital and they were unbelievable. I got an X-ray and it came back all clear so we're all good. We galloped down to the fence fine but my horse just took off a stride too early and he landed on top of the fence and then speed took over and I was on the floor.

"I was on the ground and before I knew it, all of the paramedics and doctors were over and my arm was a bit sore. I was just sore straightaway and before I knew it they put the big screens up around me and I got a fright then, because I wanted to ring my family to let them know I was all right!"

Walsh thinks Wonderful Charm, priced at around 33/1 on the eve of the race, has a chance of getting her into the record books this weekend.

"He stays well and he's a super jumper so I'm really looking forward to it." she added.

Definitely Red, More Of That, Vieux Lion Rouge and Blaklion are among the leading contenders for Grand National glory.